Irma Thuente

Irma Thuente, age 91, of Festina, IA died Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

     Irma Barbara (Winter) Thuente was born on July 4, 1924 the daughter of John and Philomena “Minnie” (Hackman) Winter in St. Lucas, Iowa.  She attended St. Lukes Catholic School.  When she was young she worked for area farm families taking care of kids and doing household chores.  On April 18, 1944, she was united in marriage to Virgil Thuente Sr. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, Iowa.  Together they farmed near Fort Atkinson, IA.  In 1976, they moved to Festina.  Irma catered for area weddings and also cooked at Oneota Golf Course in Decorah and the Warrior Inn in Calmar.  Irma was known for her famous potato salad.  She enjoyed embroidering, baking, dancing, cooking, and playing cards.  Above all, she especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Irma was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina.    

     Irma is survived by her six children: Norma (Gary) Eckhardt, West Union, IA; Merle (Donna) Thuente, Calmar, IA; Vern (Sandy) Thuente, Decorah, IA; Doralee Thuente, New Hope, MN; Virgil (Joanne) Thuente, Jr., Decorah, IA; John (Sharon) Thuente, Fort Atkinson, IA. Eleven grandchildren: Paula Prescott, Terry Goza, Tamara (Grady Murphy) Melde, Vicki (Tony) Daugherty, Wade Thuente, Tim (Kris) Thuente, Tyler Thuente, Emily Thuente, Eric (Amy) Thuente, Nicole (Lloyd) Kuennen and Marcus (fiancé, Sarah McCallister) Thuente. Sixteen great grandchildren: Colton & Landon, Goza, Joshua & Justin Melde, Evan & Blake Daugherty, Hannah Thuente, Lindsey, Hailey & Gavin Thuente, Evan, Lila & Jack Thuente and Aiden, Colin & Parker Kuennen. Two sisters: Leona Bullerman, Decorah, IA; Alma Ameling, Hawkeye, IA; along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Five sisters-in-law: Mary Lou Winter, New Hampton, IA, Lucille Holthaus, Ossian, IA; Anita Tieskoetter, Ossian, IA; Kathleen (Jim) Nelson, Cedar Rapids, IA; and Rose Ann Gussy, Roselle, IL. Four brothers-in-law: Joseph (Arlene) Thuente, Ackley, IA; Ludger (Lynn) Thuente, Sterling, IL; Sylvan (Connie) Thuente, Macon, GA; and Marlin (Pat) Thuente, Scottsdale, AZ.

     Irma was preceded in death by her parents: John and Philomena “Minnie” (Hackman) Winter. Her husband: Virgil Thuente on February 2, 2012. One daughter: Beverly Thuente on June 4, 2006 and one granddaughter: Karla Thuente on February 15, 1990. Two brothers: Melvin Winter, Delbert (Ruby) Winter. Father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph & Edwina Thuente. Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law: Arlene Thuente, Marie Thuente and Lambert (Lou) Thuente, Cletus Holthaus, Vincent Bullerman, Irvin Ameling and Alphonse Tieskoetter.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home French Chapel in Calmar assisted the family with the arrangements.